Looking from a historical point of view, a Pakistan vs Bangladesh match should be as big as an India vs Pakistan match, considering that both match ups involve countries which were part of the other. But Bangladesh, although possessing considerable talent, have never performed to the desired level in Test matches. Their strength however, lies in the shorter formats where they have consistently defeated the cricketing giants. The last T20 they played was against West Indies where a six of the bat of Mushfiqur Rahim of the last ball sealed a famous victory. Rahim was making his captaincy debut in that match and justified the selectors faith. Doing an encore, especially against a Pakistan side, which is looking stronger with every match they play, will be a very difficult task. But as far as the T20 format is concerned, past form can be totally irrelevant on a given day.

Pakistan

They are undoubtedly the most improved team in recent times. Winning has never been a major concern; the bone of contention has been the team discipline and a certain unpredictability that has stuck to every Pakistani side. The ODI series against Sri Lanka gave a different story altogether. Their batting looked solid with the occasional collapse. But what was eye-catching was the way in which the multi-talented bowling attack operated. Umar Gul was literally unplayable at the start and displayed his lethality with the reverse swinging old ball. Aizaz Cheema, who made his debut against Zimbabwe just a few months back, has performed like a true veteran and took a match-winning 4 wickets against Sri Lanka in the T20 at Abu Dhabi. The spinners Afridi and Ajmal too added to the batsmen's misery by dishing out tight overs at a remarkable over rate. In addition to that, Misbah has also turned to the opening batsman Hafeez's off spin. To say that Hafeez has been in terrific form over the past 2 months would be an understatement. With the presence of youngsters like Junaid Khan in the bench, it can be safely said that Pakistan look the most compact side in the international arena today. Even with a few of their top players resting, they will be more than a handful to the hosts. However, an Achiles heel would be the absence of explosive batsmen in the top order.

Team News: Abdur Razzaq and Junaid Khan are out of the squad with injuries. M Khalil is the new face in the squad

Bangladesh

The last T20I they played was against West Indies in Mirpur. It was Rahim's first game as Bangladesh captain. 4 were required of the last 2 balls and Rahim responded by striking Ravi Rampaul for a six over midwicket. The win camouflaged many inadequacies in their batting lineup. Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes, both flamboyant left handers opening the batting were ineffective in getting them off to a quick start. The former skipper Ashraful, batting at number three labored his way to a twenty and just as he should have shepherded his team, got out. Rest of the batsmen too followed him to the pavilion and it was left to the wicketkeeper cum skipper cum lower order bat to bail them out. The bowling has been predictably good in home conditions with Abdur Razzak and Shakib Al Hassan leading the attack. The return of Alok Kapali, whose exploits with the bat in the ICL are well known, will bolster up the batting lineup. On a given day, this young side possesses the exuberance to knock over any side in the world and a bombastic crowd will queue up to give them quite some vocal support. Rahim has proved to be an able leader at a young age and will look towards Shakib, the only Bangladeshi player to participate in the IPL, for an inspirational show.

Team news: M Ashraful has been dropped on account of poor form. Farhad Reza, who last played for Bangladesh in 2008, has been recalled.

Quotes:

"We will have to play good cricket to beat them because Bangladesh are a strong side at home. They are sure to put up a tough fight"- Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq stating that Bangladesh cannot be underestimated.